Table Of ContentA note on the historical context: as the committee was in the final stages of preparing the 2020
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month Booklist, the first time a full booklist was planned by the Boston
Public Library to commemorate Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, the entire library system shut
down due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The list was never printed. However, the content of the booklist had
already been finalized and is presented below.
Boston Public Library
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
Booklist | 2020
The Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month booklist is a list of recent books concerning the Asian
American and Pacific Islander experience. It is published as part of the Boston Public Library's
observance of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month every year.
This list was compiled by Boston Public Library staff:
Liz Blake, Programs & Community Outreach Librarian at the Fields Corner Branch Library
Mary Devine, Workforce Development Librarian at the Kirstein Business Library & Innovation Center
Chris Glass, Research Services Librarian at the Central Library
Charlie Gluck, Youth Services Librarian at the Chinatown Branch
Veronica Koven-Matasy (chair), Reader Services Specialist at the Central Library
Picture Books
Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao
Kat Zhang (ill. Charlene Chua)
This whimsical picture book follows Amy Wu's quest to create the perfect bao, a bread-
like dumpling that is one of her family's favorite treats. This book is great for early
readers and includes a full recipe for Amy's Bao in the back.
J PICTURE ZHANG K
Bilal Cooks Daal
Aisha Saeed
In this charming story, a young boy shares one of his family's cultural traditions for the
first time. Showcasing the colors and flavors of the daal's ingredients, Bilal sees his
friends embrace cooking and eating his favorite meal!
J PICTURE SAAED A
Camp Tiger
Susan Choi (ill. John Rocco)
The story of a young boy who meets a tiger on his family's camping trip. The gorgeous
watercolor illustrations capture the dream-like narrative perfectly.
J PICTURE CHOI S
The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh
Supriya Kelkar (ill. Alea Marley)
The resonant and vibrant story of a young Sikh boy overcoming the cultural differences
he initially faces after moving with his family.
J PICTURE KELKAR S
A Map into the World
Kao Kalia Yang (ill. Seo Kim)
Beautifully written and illustrated, this book compassionately reflects on the cycle of life
and death through the eyes of a young girl. Paj Ntaub learns the joy of new life when
her brothers are born and the grief that comes at its ending when a beloved neighbor
passes away.
J PICTURE YANG K
Our Favorite Day
Joowon Oh
A colorful, peaceful glimpse into the life of a grandfather planning for his
granddaughter's weekly visit.
J PICTURE OH J
Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist
Julie Leung (ill. Chris Sasaki)
This biographical picture book celebrates the life of Tyrus Wong, who spends his days
creating watercolor landscapes and Asian-inspired artwork for businesses like Disney
and for personal enjoyment through kites and ceramics.
J BIOG N6537.W647 L48 2019
Piece by Piece
Susan Tan
Emmy's grandma Nainai is her closest companion until she heads home to China, leaving
Emmy a handsewn patchwork quilt with all their memories. When Emmy loses the quilt
in a museum she and her father search each room, exploring the moments that Emmy
and Nainai spent together.
J PICTURE TAN S
Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom
Teresa Robeson (ill. Rebecca Huang)
Follow the journey of Wu Chien Shiung from a young girl to a celebrated physicist! This
biographical picture book marks her accomplishments and perseverance in spite of the
obstacles she faced.
J BIOG QC16.W785 R63 2019
Chapter Books
The Best at It
Maulik Pancholy
Rahul Kapoor has a dilemma: figuring out who he is and what sets him apart, what he
can be the best at, to reassure himself and counter the bullies he faces. A layered
character with an authentic voice.
J FICTION PANCHOLY M
The Bridge Home
Padma Venkatraman
Two sisters face a harrowing journey in the city as they experience homelessness,
struggle to meet their needs, and find a new family in an unfamiliar place.
J FICTION VENKATRA P
Cilla Lee-Jenkins: The Epic Story
Susan Tan
In the third book of her series, Cilla Lee-Jenkins is out to conquer her next genre: epic
stories! An epic story focuses on the struggles of its protagonist and Cilla is no
exception; her own struggles with family, friends, and classmates inspire and shape the
story that Cilla writes.
J FICTION TAN S
Dragon Pearl
Yoon Ha Lee
The Korean myth of the gumiho, a shape-shifting fox spirit, makes its way into outer
space in this fast-paced adventure. When Min's beloved older brother is accused of
treason, she must travel the galaxy with only her wits (and her magical powers) to clear
his name.
J SCIFI FANTASY LEE Y
The Dragon Warrior
Katie Zhao
Searching for a great heroine? Look no further than twelve-year-old Faryn Liu, who
travels across various Chinatowns to battle with demons and become a fabled warrior in
this action-packed adventure.
J SCIFI FANTASY ZHAO K
Lalani of the Distant Sea
Erin Entrada Kelly
Inspired by Filipino folktales, this vivid chapter book follows the hero's journey of a
young girl on a quest to save her village in spite of the fantastical beauty and danger
before her.
J SCIFI FANTASY KELLY E
Midsummer's Mayhem
Rajani Larocca
An enchanting twist on A Midsummer Night's Dream filled with rich, complex
characters, humor and magic, and irresistible descriptions of the main character's
culinary creations. A must read for young bakers and those looking for the extraordinary
in the everyday.
J FICTION LAROCCA R
More to the Story
Hena Khan
In this modern-day update of Little Women, Jameela, an ambitious aspiring journalist,
must learn to balance the important people in her life—her sisters, her parents, and her
friends—with her desire to achieve her dreams.
J FICTION KHAN H
A Place to Belong
Cynthia Kadohata
Hanako, a 12 year old girl who has already survived the Japanese internment camps
during World War II, expatriates with her family back to a wartorn Japan. An incredible
story of the impact of racism, nuclear war, and cultural dislocation felt by a child who is
finding her way in the world.
J FICTION KADOHATA C
Stargazing
Jen Wang
Christine has never met anyone like Moon Lin in her tight-knit Chinese/Taiwanese
church or at school: Moon has a single mother, is Buddhist and vegetarian and obsessed
with K-Pop, doesn't speak Chinese, and doesn't seem to care what anybody thinks about
her. Their burgeoning friendship will change both their lives.
J GRAPHIC STARGAZI
The Twelve
Cindy Lin
In a fantasy world based on the Chinese zodiac, protagonist Usagi becomes a trained
warrior with powers determined by her zodiac year. Usagi makes new friends and
enemies on the way to save her sister in an action-packed climax that will leave readers
eager for the second book.
J SCIFI FANTASY LIN C
Teen
Butterfly Yellow
Thanhhà Lại
Separated from her baby brother during Operation Babylift at the end of the Vietnam
War, Hằng has spent years planning to find him again. But making her way from Viet
Nam to America is only the beginning of her quest to reunite the remnants of her family.
TEEN FICTION LAI T
The Downstairs Girl
Stacey Lee
Lady's maid Jo Kuan has a secret: she's the author behind popular advice column "Dear
Miss Sweetie". When she tries to bring more serious issues to her audience's attention,
she isn't prepared for the backlash her words provoke.
TEEN FICTION LEE S
Frankly in Love
David Yoon
After his parents disowned his older sister for marrying a black man, Frank isn't eager to
tell them that his new girlfriend is white. Enter his friend Joy Song, a "nice Korean girl"
who's happy to pretend to date Frank to get her own parents off her back.
TEEN FICTION YOON D
I Love You So Mochi
Sarah Kuhn
An invitation to visit her estranged grandparents in Kyoto is just the escape Kimi needs
from her mother's pressure to focus on her fine art portfolio rather than her interest in
fashion. Will exploring the country her mother left behind—and the company of a cute
med student named Akira—help Kimi figure out her own future?
TEEN FICTION KUHN S
A Match Made in Mehendi
Nandini Bajpai
Match-making is Simi's family business, but when she turns the traditional artform into
an app, she unleashes social chaos at her school.
TEEN FICTION BAJPAI N
Our Wayward Fate
Gloria Chao
As the only Asian in her small midwestern town, Ali has never wanted to stick out or
make waves. Will the arrival of Chase Yu, a fellow Taiwanese student, help her stand up
for what she believes?
TEEN FICTION CHAO G
Patron Saints of Nothing
Randy Ribay
When Jay learns that his cousin Jun has been murdered, he's determined to find out
what happened—but no one in his family is talking. His return to the Philippines
uncovers secrets not only about Jun, but also about Jay himself.
TEEN FICTION RIBAY R
Somewhere Only We Know
Maurene Goo
A teenage popstar and a wannabe paparazzo find themselves unexpectedly falling in
love during a whirlwind weekend tour of Hong Kong in this modern K-Pop update of
Roman Holiday.
TEEN FICTION GOO M
Song of the Crimson Flower
Julie C. Dao
In this lush fairytale-esque fantasy, a nobleman's daughter must embark on a quest to
redeem the soul of the poor lover she has wronged.
TEEN SCIFI FANTASY DAO J
There's Something About Sweetie
Sandhya Menon
In a moment of weakness after getting dumped, Ashish agrees to let his parents set him
up on a date. Sweetie, a confident track star who also happens to be fat, isn't who he
expected, but as they get to know one another, they realize Ashish's family might have
been right all along.
TEEN FICTION MENON S
They Called Us Enemy
George Takei
Takei recounts his experiences as a child during the forced relocation of Japanese
Americans to internment camps. His graphic memoir connects the legalized racism of
the internment camps to the treatment of immigrants today.
TEEN GRAPHIC THEY CALLED US
Memoir
The American Dream? A Journey on Route 66: Discovering Dinosaur Statues, Muffler
Men, and the Perfect Breakfast Burrito
Shing Yin Khor
This thoughtful road trip graphic memoir by sculptor and cartoonist Khor reflects on
America through the lens of Route 66.
Available as an eBook on Hoopla
The Body Papers
Grace Talusan
Winner of the Restless Books Prize for New Immigrant Writing, Talusan’s memoir
bravely explores her experiences with sexual abuse, depression, cancer, and life as a
Filipino immigrant.
BIOG RC560.S44 T35 2019x
Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets, and Advice for Living Your Best Life
Ali Wong
Ali Wong's heartfelt and hilarious letters to her daughters (the two she put to work
while they were still in utero) cover everything she hopes they need to know in life.
PN2287.W555 A3 2019
Here We Are: American Dreams, American Nightmares
Aarti Namdev Shahani
This heart-wrenching memoir, from NPR correspondent Shahani, brings to life one
immigrant family's American Dream, the justice system that took it away, and the
daughter who fought to get it back.
BIOG E184.E2 S535 2019x
I Was Their American Dream
Malaka Gharib
Gharib's graphic memoir of growing up surrounded by her Filipino and Egyptian family is
a triumphant tale of self-discovery, a celebration of her family's rich heritage, and a love
letter to American immigrant freedom.
GRAPHIC JV6201 .G43 2019x
Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls
T Kira Madden
Acclaimed literary essayist Madden recounts her coming of age and reckoning with
desire as a queer, biracial teenager amidst the fierce contradictions of Boca Raton,
Florida.
BIOG PS3613.A28357 Z46 2019
Naturally Tan
Tan France
In this hilarious and touching memoir, Queer Eye fashion expert Tan France opens up
about his life and struggles growing up in a traditional, religious South Asian family in
Yorkshire. Tan’s journey inspires every reader to find the joy in being fabulously
themselves.
BIOG PN2287.F655 A3 2019
Somewhere in the Middle: A Journey to the Philippines in Search of Roots, Belonging,
and Identity
Deborah Francisco Douglas
Raised in an American household, Francisco Douglas had always longed to know more
about her Filipino heritage. Her warm and funny memoir of her time working for the
Peace Corp in the Philippines captures the simple joy found in ordinary moments and in
the people we share our lives with.
BIOG DS660 .F73 2019x
Stealing Green Mangoes: Two Brothers, Two Fates, One Indian Childhood
Sunil Dutta
After being diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer later in life, Datta urgently wanted to
understand what choices had led him and his brother down such radically different
paths: one to become an LAPD officer, the other a terrorist.
BIOG E184.E2 D88 2019x
Your Heart, My Hands: An Immigrant's Remarkable Journey to Become One of
America's Preeminent Cardiac Surgeons
Arun K. Singh
The encouraging and inspiring true story of how a boy from India overcame a difficult
childhood and devastating hand injuries to become one of the preeminent cardiac
surgeons in U.S. history.
Available as an eBook on Overdrive
Expressions
Aloha Kitchen: Recipes from Hawai'i
Alana Kysar
Hawaii native and popular food blogger Alana Kysar highlights the major influences on
Hawaiian food and culture in this stunning cookbook featuring 85 colorful recipes, in all
of which the most important ingredient is the aloha spirit.
TX724.5.H3 K97 2019
Bodega
Su Hwang
A rich collection of lyrical and narrative poems in which the bodega is so much more
than a corner store. It is a community gathering space, an intersection of humanity, and
a symbol of the collective suffering immigrants who live in pursuit of the American
dream.
PS3608.W93 A6 2019
The Collected Schizophrenias
Esme Weijun Wang
In this brilliant essay collection, Wang chronicles her journey towards a diagnosis of
schizoaffective disorder. Her story offers clarity for those who aren’t suffering and
allows those who are to feel less alone.
RC514.W236 A3 2019x
Hybrida
Tina Chang
Using hybrid poetic forms, Chang writes about the heart-breaking complexities of raising
a mixed-race child in our country in a post-Michael Brown, post-Leiby Kletzky world as
only a mother can do.
PS3603.H3574 A6 2019
Loves You
Sarah Gambito
This collection explores the recipe as poetic form as Gambito considers the Filipino
American experience through favorite family recipes and poems that demonstrate how
food and history are forever entwined.
PS3607.A433 A6 2019
Navigating the Divide
Linda Watanabe McFerrin
This abundant, career-spanning collection of poetry and prose from Linda Watanabe
McFerrin navigates the divide, breaks down walls, builds bridges, and explores
relationships both within and without.
PS3573.A7987 N38 2019x
The Peached Tortilla: Modern Asian Comfort Food from Tokyo to Texas
Eric Silverstein
Silverstein’s background, having been born in Tokyo and raised in Atlanta, is
represented in these 100 flavor-packed recipes which are the perfect blend of Asian
street food and rich southern comfort.
TX724.5.A1 S52 2019x
Planting SEADS: Southeast Asian Diaspora Stories
Chanida Phaengdara Potter (ed.)
Minnesota’s first Southeast Asian collection of stories, poetry, and artwork aims to
reclaim and honor the experience of the many unique and otherwise invisible narratives
of the Hmong, Khmer, Lao, and Viet community. These are stories about them, for
them, and by them.
F615.S695 P68 2019x
Soft Science
Franny Choi
In this poetry collection, Choi explores her queer, Asian American identity as she faces
the intersections of technology, artificial intelligence, gender, dating, love, violence,
loneliness, and more.
PS3603.H653 A6 2019
The Year of Blue Water
Yanyi
Poems about the Chinese American experience, racism, mental illness, gender, and the
trans experience are featured in this honest and multifaceted collection by Yanyi, who
reminds us that “poems are a way to ask for what exists, to invite what wants to be
visible.”
PS3625.A688 A6 2019x
Nonfiction
American Sutra: A Story of Faith and Freedom in the Second World War
Duncan Ryuken Williams
Drawing attention to the experiences of Buddhist Japanese Americans during World
War II, Williams shows how their faith made them a target of additional US suspicion
even as it supported them through the trials of foreign combat and domestic
incarceration.
D769.8.A6 W55 2019
Anna May Wong: Performing the Modern
Shirley Jennifer Lim
This unorthodox, erudite biography of pioneering Chinese American actress Anna May
Wong explores not only the events of her life but her role in constructing the image of
the contemporary Chinese woman.
PN2287.W56 L56 2019
Family Sacrifices: The Worldviews and Ethics of Chinese Americans
Russell Jeung, Seanan Fong, & Helen Jin Kim
Sitting at the intersection of history, religious studies, and ethnography, this study of
religious views and familial commitment offers a unique lens through which to view the
Chinese American experience.
E184.C5 J48 2019
Ghosts of Gold Mountain: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Built the
Transcontinental Railroad
Gordon Chang
Drawing on documentary, archaeological, and photographic evidence, Chang
reconstructs the lived experiences of the Chinese laborers who worked on the western
part of the Transcontinental Railroad.
HD8039.R3152 C524 2019
